Friday, March 29, 2013

Exclusive Interview - Yasmin Bidois

New Zealander Yasmin Bidois is the latest in a series of antipodean models to make a mark on the modelling scene. Bidois follows in the illustrious footsteps of compatriots Jessica Clarke, Emily Baker, Anmari Botha, and Ashleigh Good who have made serious inroads on the international runway circuit. Eighteen year old Bidois' Maori and French bloodlines make for an alluring proposition which had Inoubliable Model Army transfixed at first glance. Pretty faces these days are a dime a dozen in the modelling world, so more often than not it is the shock of the new or the right attitude and demeanour which distinguishes one model from the pack. Bidois possesses a cerebral beauty which has one pondering not only her ethnicity and background but also her backstory. Added to this mix is a rebellious presence and insouciance on film that is tempered by a wonderful vulnerability. Currently in Sydney for Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week, Bidois is certain to make an impact among local designers, having recently graced the runway for the Fashion Palette event in Sydney which is viewed as a precursor to MBAFW. Bidois paused in between castings to get Inoubliable Model Army up to speed on the ongoing issue of diversity in modelling, the challenges presented by modelling, and the importance of remaining relevant.

Yasmin Bidois
Image courtesy of Priscillas Model Management

Inoubliable Model Army: Hi Yassi, thank you for taking a moment to shoot the breeze with Inoubliable Model Army. Tell us a little bit about yourself...

YB: I'm currently 18 years old and I was born and raised in Auckland city, New Zealand. I am New Zealander Maori and also have French heritage on my father's side. When I was 14 years old, I did a modelling course during the school holidays just for fun. Then a year later I was scouted three times within the space of 2-3 months. Twice by my current agency Clyne Model Management, and once by another agency. I never seriously considered being a model until the opportunity arose.

Inoubliable Model Army: You started modelling at a fairly young age and have already spent a year in New York where you were placed with Ford Models. Was it difficult to take on the pressure and challenges presented by your profession at such a young age, and do you feel that New York fast tracked your professional modelling experience and knowhow?

YB: Anything worth doing isn't going to be an easy ride, modelling is challenging and you do get put under a lot of pressure but within good reason. Although I started at a young age, modelling certainly fast tracked my maturity process and I have learned so much from it. New York was probably the best thing ever to happen to me in my short lifetime. I have learnt so much not only about my career but also about myself, my strengths and even my weaknesses.

Inoubliable Model Army: We met at the fittings for the Fashion Palette show which showcases established and up & coming Australian design talent. How was the experience of walking in the show and what are your general impressions of Australian fashion?

YB: The show was great, I had a lot of fun! It was my first show here in Australia and the all-round experience was cool. The Fashion Palette team were lovely which made it all the more better.

Inoubliable Model Army: Other than modelling, what are your other interest/passions and if modelling hadn't chosen you what career path would you be interested in pursuing as a Plan B?

YB: I love writing. Everything about writing excites me. I mostly like writing fictional stories and hopefully one day I'll publish one and it will be amazing and be made into a movie haha! Plan B for me is to study journalism or something related to writing.

Inoubliable Model Army: The modelling industry is incredibly competitive with so many new faces looking to breakthrough each show season. What is your approach going into castings and what are the key attributes to wowing casting directors and clients?

YB: That's a secret haha, people might steal my techniques ;-). But confidence and a loving personality never fails.

Inoubliable Model Army: Diversity in modelling has been a contentious issue for eons with opportunities for models of colour differing exponentially from their caucasian counterparts. Do you feel in general that the issue of diversity has improved in the industry?

YB: Definitely, some of my closest friends are coloured and have been doing amazingly well. I do think fashion needs to be more diverse still though.

Relevant
Image courtesy of Priscillas Model Management

Yasmin Bidois
Image courtesy of Priscillas Model Management

Inoubliable Model Army: What do you feel are the greatest challenges that you face as a model and what has been the most valuable modelling advice you have been offered?

YB: Remaining relevant is a challenge, you have to always stay on top of your game if you want to survive in this industry. You can so easily be forgotten, it's important to stay hungry for more and what's coming next. Modelling is more that just being a pretty face.

The best advice I have ever been given was from my mum who said, "Never forget where you come from and who you are, always be professional, and make sure you are always prepared for anything that comes around the corner. Oh, and keep your nails and shoes clean." Haha...

Inoubliable Model Army: Has your own personal style evolved as a result of your exposure to the industry?

YB: In a way it has but in saying so my style always changes.

Inoubliable Model Army: What makes you "Inoubliable" (Unforgettable)?

YB: I think something that makes me unique is that I have a versatile look. I don't just look Maori, I can also pass as Spanish, Italian, and even European. Something that makes me memorable is my crazy personality, I seem like a shy girl and then the camera turns on and I am a whole new person. I love to make jokes and to make people laugh.